Scott trail to Obsidian loop

Scott trail is a trail that connects to the PCT. You can make a wonderful loop out of this hike by then taking the PCT through the Obsidian area and then heading back via the Obsidian trail. If you do not want to do this 17.4 mile loop, you can opt to do the 12 mile out and back Obsidian trail. This hike is very cool, especially if you want to see the Obsidian fields, and you will also get views of the Three Sisters. To hike any part of the Obsidian trail, you will need to obtain a limited entry permit, or you could get a $250 ticket from the ranger. To purchase a permit go to www.recreation.gov

(Lava field w/ North Sister in the background)

The parking lot at Scott Lake is quite large unlike the Obsidian trail head. You will park and cross the street, and then the trail starts off through a forest of lodge pole pines, before opening up to lava fields as far as the eye can see. This eerie landscape is so beautiful and it allows you to see how the earth has changed over thousands of years.​From this flat area, in the distance to the north you are able to see Mt. Jefferson, and to the south you can see close-up views of North and Middle Sister.

After about 2.5 miles, you will be walking down a hill and you can see where Scott trail comes to a T with the Pacific Crest Trail. Here you will turn right and continue south on the PCT. Along this section of the PCT, you have Collier Cone to your left and you are hiking around Little Brother.

Mt. Jefferson

(North and Middle Sister)

(view from the PCT of the North and Middle Sister)

(Minnie Scott Spring)

​You will come across a few streams and springs which can be helpful, especially if you are hiking the full 17.4 miles, as you will most likely need to refill your water supply.*Please remember to never drink straight from the water source! Always filter or boil your water before drinking it.The first spring you come across is Minnie Scott Spring. The water that flows out of these rocks is very cooling especially on a hot day. ​

(Opie Dillock Pass is the start of the Middle Sister climber's trail)

When you reach Opie Dillock Pass, you will see the Middle Sister climber's trail head off to the left. If you are ready to end the loop, you can take the trail that goes to the right along Glacier Creek for not even a mile before joining with the Obsidian trail. If you would like to do the whole loop and see Arrowhead Lakes and Obsidian Falls, you will want to continue south on the PCT.

(Sawyer Bar)

(fields of Obsidian rock)

After going downhill in a steep canyon of lava called Sawyer Bar, you will be delighted that the trail levels out a bit. Sawyer Bar is the most challenging part of the hike, due to the lava rocks on the trail being so large, it makes it hard to step because the rocks underneath you tend to move.

Once the trail has leveled off you will see Arrowhead Lakes, a tiny one on the left and a larger one on the right. Unfortunately in September these shallow lakes are pretty much dried up and just look like puddles.

(Obsidian Creek flowing from Sister Spring)

Right after Arrowhead lakes, you will see Sister Spring, a much larger spring in a beautiful meadow. Sister Spring forms Obsidian Creek which then turns into Obsidian Falls. The Obsidian Falls are nothing spectacular, standing at only 20 feet, but in this harsh dry area, they are a welcoming sight. After the falls, the trail splits again. The PCT heads over to Linton Meadows and you will take a right onto Obsidian trail.

From the trail split you will hike 1.7 miles through forest and meadows, where you can definitely picture the history of the native people who used to hunt and live in these parts. It is easy to imagine how this area used to play a crucial part in their survival, as they would migrate here to collect the obsidian for the making of arrow and spear tips and many other tools. ​​

(Obsidian Falls 20 ft.)

​After the 1.7 miles of forest and meadows, the trail crosses the White Branch Lava flow. This is the last time that the Three Sisters come into view and the trail is wide open with sparse trees. Once you have crossed the lava flow, the trail becomes rather monotonous since it is in the forest for the last 4.1 miles back to Obsidian trail head. If you have come from Scott trail head, you will have to keep walking to the right on the connector trail .6 mile.

​Overall, this 17.4 mile loop is very strenuous! Unless you are a really fit person and used to walking many miles per day, I probably wouldn't recommend doing this loop as a day hike. I would suggest camping somewhere so that you can enjoy the views a bit more, rather than speeding through the hike. It is not a technical trail at all and because the elevation gain happens throughout the entire loop and not all at once, you hardly notice that by the end of the hike you have gained 3,600 feet. Especially if you are doing this loop as an overnight backpacking trip, I would recommend this trail for pretty much any level of hiker. It is definitely a must-do loop, and it will really give you a great sense of the history of the Oregon wilderness!

Directions: Whether you are coming from Bend of Eugene, drive on Hwy. 242. Between mileposts 70 and 71 turn off at a sign for Obsidian trail head. The parking spaces here are pretty tight, so if you are doing the full loop, I suggest continuing on Hwy 242 another 1.5 miles East to Scott trail head. The parking lot here is huge!​You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.

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​*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer

*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes. ​